The present volume (2009) examines the various armed conflicts in South Asia in 2008 – in Afghanistan, FATA, J&K, India’s Northeast, Sri Lanka and Nepal, and sectarian and naxalite violence in Pakistan and India respectively. The volume also includes an exclusive chapter on the linkages between armed conflicts and failing and failed states in South Asia.

Designed as an annual series, the articles provide a brief historical sketch of the emergence of armed conflict, outlining its various phases. The contemporary trends in and the factors that have sustained the conflict – local backing, logistical support and monetary assistance – are discussed next, followed by an examination of conflict management, specifically the measures taken by the government, non-state actors, civil society and the international community in addressing the conflict. The articles then chart the direction the armed conflict is likely to take and provide a set of alternative measures that could be pursued by the various actors.

This important collection discusses India’s geo-strategic importance and its common borders with its neighbours; the psychological and economic costs of violence and the problem of refugee migrants; treaties, memorandums and ceasefire agreements signed over the past several years across countries; the role of the United Nations and other peacekeeping forces; and the future of failed and failing states.

This book will be useful to students of politics, international relations, and peace and conflict studies. It will also be relevant to the governments of South Asian countries, to intelligence agencies, and to international bodies.

The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), since 2006, has been closely monitoring various armed conflicts in South Asia with a view to analyze their various facets including the main issues and trends, principal actors, efforts towards conflict management and the effectiveness of these initiatives.

The Institute is extremely grateful to the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, whose support has made it possible to undertake this study. The Institute is also grateful to the Routledge India, who has agreed to publish these essays as an annual.